What is the Average Commercial Pilot Salary?

scott.fank • Oct 19, 2021

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average commercial pilot salary is $134,630 per year. And the BLS states that this profession is growing at a faster-than-average 13 percent clip, largely thanks to the current shortage the airline industry is facing due to early retirements the pandemic was responsible for.

However, pilot salary is dictated by a variety of factors. This includes the type of pilot and the seniority of the pilot. For instance, the average pay for a first-year pilot is likely far less than for an experienced one. Some pilots early in their careers may only make $45,000. However, experience matters – and the longer pilots work and master their craft also translates to higher earnings potential. The highest-earning pilots are reported to make $180,000 or more per year. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how pilot salary is calculated, why pilot pay range matters, compare to private pilot salary, and more of what you need to know as it pertains to pilot pay.

Private Pilot Salary

Typically, private pilots work for smaller, or private, companies that can result in growing a greater career autonomy.

Before you begin assessing private piloting job positions, you must have already obtained your private piloting license. Alternatively, you may also be in the process of completing your licensure in a piloting program.

Starting Salaries

With  the growing need for pilots, starting salaries offer a surprisingly generous range. However, as the salaries range based on the job position you accept, it is hard to generalize a specific salary. Therefore, we list below common starting salaries based on the job position you take.

  • Air Traffic Controller:  starting annual salaries begin at around $124,450.
  • Maintenance Test Pilot:  starting annual salaries begin at $67,000.
  • Flight Course Instructor:  starting hourly wages range from $16-$26.

Average Annual Salaries

Depending on what you privately pilot, your average salary may drastically change. For example, private pilots for jet companies earn an average of $111,800 a year. However, many private jet companies compensate at hourly rates and are unionized.

Work Schedule

The FAA mandates that pilots of any industry do not exceed 1,000 flight hours a year. For numerous reasons, this mandate allows pilots the necessary rest time between flights to ensure safe transit.

Private pilots often experience a more regular and reliable work schedule. For example, a private pilot can find relief in knowing that after eight days of working they will receive six days off afterwards. However, there may be the rare exception of a last-minute scheduling.

Additionally, private pilots get to experience the luxury and accessibility of flying to many private airports around the nation. Therefore, you will experience shorter taxying times during departure and arrival flight procedures.

How is Commercial Pilot Salary Calculated?

Pilots don’t typically earn an annual salary like most full-time professionals. Instead, they earn hourly wages for the time they spend flying as well as a per diem to account for time spent away from home. Most airlines guarantee pilots will fly at least a certain number of hours per month, which helps them understand what their baseline salary is. In fact, most pilots fly about 75 hours per month and then spend other time working on other flight-related duties, which may include preparing flight plans

Flight Hours

Ultimately, pilots are paid for the number of hours flown each year. However, you will need to consider a pilot cannot fly more than 1,000 hours each year for the safety of everyone involved by ensuring pilots are well-rested. Knowing this, you have some control over the money you make, as pilots who schedule more flights will end up making more money.

Experience

Your compensation offers will likely increase as you gain more years of experience. Typically, you will start as a first officer and work your way up to a captain, where you will see a significant jump in your hourly rate. Having more experience will allow you to apply for available captain positions. As a bonus that comes with seniority, you will be able to pick out your schedule each month, deciding the number of flights and type of aircraft you get to fly. This will ensure you get closer to the 1,000 minimum hours.

Type of Aircraft

It’s advantageous to get experience flying different kinds of aircraft, but as a rule of thumb, the larger the aircraft you fly, the larger the hourly rate. When picking your flights, choosing the largest flights available will let you earn more money.

Airline

Although two pilots in a similar position will earn roughly the same, salaries can vary if the pilots work at different airlines. When deciding what airline to work for, do your research to determine the pros and cons of different airlines, and prepare for interviews to get the job at the place you want.

What Do Chicago Pilots Make?

According to Salary.com, the average salary range for a pilot in the Chicago area is between $131,700 and $171, 700 per year, with the median salary coming in at $152,100.

Why Does Pay Range Matter?

The salary range for pilots – let alone any profession – shows that pay doesn’t come at a fixed amount and rewards experience and tenure. So, while a pilot may begin their career at a lower annual salary, as they grow and progress, they’ll likely earn significantly more money.

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